"It's no life at all" Rough sleepers' experiences of violence and abuse on the streets of England and Wales

This report exposes is the shocking and unacceptable levels of abuse and violence rough sleepers have to endure on top of the already desperate position they find themselves in. Over three quarters of those surveyed in the last year have suffered violence or abuse. Many have been hit or kicked deliberately, almost half threatened with violence and over half verbally abused. Equally shocking and worrying is that the majority of experiences of violence or abuse are caused by members of the public. Such acts largely go unreported to the police. Violent and abusive experiences can cause not only physical harm but can also undermine people’s attempts to seek help and move on from homelessness. Too many rough sleepers are left living in fear and isolation. This research shows that urgent action is needed by both the police and government. It is not acceptable that homeless people are put in harm’s way on a daily basis.

Publication Date: 
2016
Location: 
United Kingdom